The role of the presidency in American politics. Topics will include nomination and election politics, relations with Congress, party leadership, presidential control of the bureaucracy, international political role, and presidential psychology.

This course will examine the nomination and election of congressmen, constituent relationships, the development of the institution, formal and informal structures, leadership, comparisons of House with Senate, lobbying, and relationship with the executive branch.

This course examines the development of the two major parties from 1789 to the present. Considers the nature of party coalitions, the role of leaders, activists, organizers, and voters, and the performance of parties in government.  

A consideration of the nature of public opinion and voting in American government. Studies of voting behavior are examined from the viewpoints of both citizens and candidates and attention is devoted to recent efforts to develop models of electoral behavior for the study of campaigns. The role of mass media and money is examined.

The theory and practice of interest group politics in the United States. Theories of pluralism and collective action, the behavior and influence of lobbies, the role of political action committees, and other important aspects of group action in politics are examined. Prerequisite: sophomore standing

This course explores the changing role of state and local governments in modern American politics. We will discuss state and local political institutions, processes, and politics, and examine several current policy areas including tax reform, water and land use, education, health policy, and welfare reform.

Surveys arguments about the determinants of public policy, pairing theoretical arguments with case studies. Does government choose policies to please the electorate because bureaucratic momentum overcomes political will and interest group bargaining? Or do the rules determine the outcomes?

This course examines the processes by which racial and ethnic groups have/have not been incorporated into the American political system. The course focuses on the political experiences of European immigrant groups, blacks, Latinos, and Asians.

For students who plan to intern in Washington. It examines the way Washington’s elected officeholders, government officials, news media, and interest group representatives transact the public’s business. History of Washington as a community will also be covered. Prerequisite: department stamp required. Application for internship must be submitted to AIP office or consent of instructor.

Readings examine how the multiracial character of the United States has shaped the broad outlines of American politics. Cases include the Founding/the Constitution, southern politics, social organization in formerly Mexican regions, the New Deal, consequences of limited suffrage.

The impact of politics on American post-war economic policy making. Causes and solutions to America’s current economic problems. Evaluation of the political dimensions of policy making in the Reagan and earlier administrations. Consideration of Marxian, liberal, and other interpretations of policy outcomes will be discussed.

Examines selected issues and moments in the political history of the United States, comparing competing explanations and analyses of U.S. politics. Likely topics include the founding, "American exceptionalism," change in the party system, race in U.S. politics, the "new institutionalism."  

(Same as USP107) This survey course focuses upon the following six topics: the evolution of urban politics since the mid-nineteenth century; the urban fiscal crisis; federal/urban relationships; the "new" ethnic politics; urban power structure and leadership; and selected contemporary policy issues such as downtown redevelopment, poverty, and race.  

This course will explore both the role played by mass media in political institutions, processes and behaviors, and reciprocally, the roles played by political systems in guiding communication processes.

An undergraduate course designed to cover various aspects of American politics.

(Same as USP 110) Building upon the introductory urban politics course, the advanced topics course explores issues such as community power, minority empowerment, and the politics of growth. A research paper is required. Students wishing to fulfill the paper requirement with field research should enroll in the subsequent PS 102JJ course (offered Summer Session 2). Prerequisite: consent of instructor.  

(Same as USP 111) To be taken with the approval of the PS 102J/USP 110 instructor, this course allows students to do original field research on topics in urban politics. This course is offered in Summer Session 2 subsequent to a 102J/USP 110 course. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. May not be used to fulfill any major or minor requirements in Political Science.

Political and policy-making issues in regulation. Themes: regulation versus legislation; general versus specific grants of regulatory power; market versus command mechanisms; private property; and risk assessment. Emphasis on American regulatory policy, examples from current regulatory debates (e.g., health care and environment).

This seminar course will examine the lives of individuals living in ghetto poverty in the United States. Over the quarter, we will assess the causes and consequences of ghetto poverty. We will also scrutinize the political debate surrounding the underclass and assess different possible solutions to the problem.

(Same as USP 109) This survey course explores six topics: 1) the state’s political history; 2) campaigning, the mass media, and elections; 3) actors and institutions in the making of state policy; 4) local government; 5) contemporary policy issues; e.g., Proposition 13, school desegregation, crime, housing and land use, transportation, water; 6) California’s role in national politics.

(Same as USP 113) This course examines politics and policymaking in the five-county Los Angeles region. It explores the historical development of the city, suburbs and region; politics, power and governance; and major policy challenges facing the city and metropolitan area.

(Same as USP 115) This course examines how major policy decisions are made in San Diego. It analyzes the region's power structure (including the roles of non-governmental organizations and the media), governance systems and reform efforts, and the politics of major infrastructure projects.

An introduction to the study of the Supreme Court and constitutional doctrine. Topics will include the nature of judicial review, federalism, race, and equal protection. The relation of judicial and legislative power will also be examined.

This course will examine issues of civil liberties from both legal and political perspectives. Topics will include the First Amendment rights of speech, press, assembly, and religion; other "fundamental" rights, such as the right to privacy; and some issues in equal protection. Conflicts between governmental powers and individual rights will be examined.

Examines the legal issues surrounding the rights of "marginal" groups such as aliens, illegal immigrants, and the mentally ill. Also includes a discussion of the nature of discrimination in American society.

This is an introduction to the study of law and courts as political institutions and judges as political actors, including the role of the judiciary in our constitutional system and decision making both within the Supreme Court and within the judicial hierarchy.

This seminar will provide an intensive examination of a major issue in constitutional law, with topics varying from year to year. Recent topics have included equal protection law and the rights of civilians in wartime. Students will be required to do legal research on a topic, write a legal brief, and argue a case to the seminar. Prerequisites: PS 104A/B; department stamp.

This course will examine the role of the courts in dealing with issues of great political controversy, with attention to the rights of speech and assembly during wartime, questions of internal security, and the expression of controversial views on race and religion. The conflict between opposing Supreme Court doctrines on these issues will be explored in the context of the case studies drawn from different historical periods.

We will discuss modern theories of the origins of law and legal behavior.

Survey course which will review numerous ways in which the law regulates and impacts sexuality and orientation. The course will focus on constitutional law in the areas of privacy, free speech, association, regulation of sexual conduct under criminal law, pornography, procreation, reproductive rights, and the regulation of family status. (Credit will not be allowed for students who have taken political science 102G - "Law and Sex" in the following quarters: spring 2002; spring 2001, fall 1999.) 

This course explores the problematic relationship between politics and bureaucracy. The theoretical perspectives of Weber, the Marxists and pluralists will be employed to understand the character of American bureaucratic development in the twentieth century.

This course will examine central issues in debates about race, ethnicity, and multiculturalism in the United States. It will look at relations not only between whites and minorities, but also at those among racial and ethnic communities.

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